Vaccine for young women

Posted by chiki (501 days ago)

I can't remember the name exactly, but I heard of a vaccine for women between the ages of 16-25. Anyone have any idea where I could get this and whether or not age really matters?

Thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Claire (501 days ago)

If it's the one for HPV (a cause of cervical cancer), it is called Gardasil, and is manufactured by Merck. It can, apparently, be used for girls as young as 9.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Lady Wolverine (501 days ago)

Any GP will have it, 3 injection sin total. In HK it is recommanded starting from 9, however age does not matter, what does is that the patient did not have any type of sexual interraction in order to make sure she is protected before she had had a risk to be in presence of HPV.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Matilda (500 days ago)

The vaccine you refer to is most probably the HPV vaccine. This is the new anti cancer vaccine preventing an infection with the Human Papilloma Virus which is responsible for cervical cancer.

It is preferably given before you become sexually active when the virus may already have been transmitted and vaccination is pointless. We thus recommend it to young teenagers.

Matilda Health Centre - 2849 1500
Matilda Medical Centre, Central 2537 8500
Matilda International Hospital
Hong Kong
http://www.matilda.org

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cammy1 (497 days ago)

Its called Gardasil, needs to be administered as early as possible and before commencing sex. Around 11-13yrs?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by chiki (476 days ago)

thanks for the replies.

so once a person has been sexually active it's pointless - i need a candid answer here.

how about age? 25 and over - is it allowed or is this more of an issue of virginity?

is it possible to check whether or not the virus has already been transmitted?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by chiki (475 days ago)

anyone?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Lady Wolverine (475 days ago)

Chiki, it is not pointless, as you may have not been in contact with HPV before (without mentioning there are several strains of HPV and some do not initiate cervical cancer): in such case, I would not recommand to get the vaccina by a general practitioner, but by a gynecologist (the doctor can first make a pap smear and test you for HPV to check for infection/antibodies).

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by chiki (475 days ago)

many thanks Lady Wolverine! Very helpful indeed! :D

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by caduceus (82 days ago)

Hi,

I know this thread seems pretty old, but I was wondering if anyone knew any other hospital/clinic that offers the HPV vaccine Gardasil besides the one mentioned here.
I've had the first two injections in Canada, and I need to get the last one still! I want to get it as soon as I can, but the hospital recommended here (Matilda) is really out of the way for me.

Any hospitals or clinics on the Kowloon side that offer Gardasil?

Thanks!

(I am based in Hong Kong)